Prenatal eagle protection and Down syndrome

For over a year the Pittsburgh region where I live has been captivated by a pair of bald eagles and their three eagle chicks nesting along the Monongahela River. There are updates in the local media and even a live video feed broadcasting the activities occurring in the nest. There was much excitement as three eggs were spotted in the nest, and there was a high level of fear and concern when a raccoon attempted to steal the eggs before all three prenatal eagles hatched. I think eagles are amazing and beautiful creatures, and it is always incredible to catch a glimpse of this rare species in the wild.

Bald Eagles are no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, but they still receive strong protection under three federal laws. Also covered by these three statutes are unborn eagles, and penalties for harming an eagle egg can be severe. I am glad our culture views unborn eagles as valuable and vulnerable, but it is tragic how this same protection does not apply to unborn children with Down syndrome. There is [more than] a 90 percent termination rate for an unborn child diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome, and if these kids were vanishing cats, threatened insects, or imperiled reptiles they would be classified as "endangered species" and receive full legal protection. If a prenatal screening of an eagle egg determined that the unborn eagle had a defective wing, would the recommendation be to terminate this eagle because it does not meet animal kingdom mandates for perfection?

My beautiful daughter Chloe was born with Down syndrome, and her unconditional pure love has given many people a glimpse of how God intended us to treat each other. Chloe is a priceless person, and the world desperately needs her bright light in a society that daily plunges deeper into darkness. I hope one day our culture will give unborn children like Chloe the same level of protection that an eagle egg receives.

Kurt Kondrich is the father of a beautiful daughter who was born with Down syndrome, and she is a priceless blessing to his family and community. When he became aware of the more than 90 percent abortion rate for children diagnosed with Down syndrome in the womb, he embarked on a mission to be a loud voice for children like Chloe to make sure people see abilities and what a precious gift these individuals are. He speaks frequently to policymakers, community groups, students, and church leaders about the silent prenatal eugenic movement against children diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome, and he is passionate about spreading the truth in a culture that has embraced death, deception, and depravity.